Arrangements during Fr Alex's absence (Update 30 November/ 1 December)

You will be aware by now that Fr Alex is unwell, and elsewhere in the newsletter you will see an update on his health from his family. A small group from across the Cluster, under the direction of the Cluster Council, met this week to look at how we can keep the Cluster “operational” while Fr Alex is unavailable. Our main aim is to give Father confidence that he can take as much time as he needs to make a good recovery.

The Archdiocese have simplified matters for us, by confirming that St Mark’s in Oxgangs will provide Pastoral support to the Cluster for the time being. This is a most welcome solution.

But there are other aspects which will need to be taken care of. So we agreed that each of us would take accountability for an aspect of parish life, providing one named contact (or Link person) for anything that would normally have gone to Fr Alex.

We are still working through the detail of how this will work and our aim is to have someone at Mass next Saturday and Sunday who can provide you with some further information.

In the meantime, here is a list of those who are looking after things. Support them as best you can through your prayers and encouragement, as their efforts will make a real difference in reducing the load on Fr Alex. Perhaps the most important one to highlight just now is where a funeral is required, Gerry Mulvenna (with Gordon Jackson as deputy) should be contacted in the first instance, as Gerry will link into local funeral directors.